S+T+ARTS Prize 2024, Honorary Mention - Korallysis

Reefs are complex and critically import ecosystems where corals coexist with a great diversity of marine organisms, and have have close relationships with a multitude of distinct ecosystems, providing costal protection from hurricanes, capturing carbon dioxide form the atmosphere. However, in the recent decades the corals have suffered immense degradation of 60% globally, presenting a high risk for species which rely on these corals for their survival. The acceleration of climate change caused from mass urbanisation, the mismanagement of waste and the excessive use of fossil fuels, just to mention a few.  

Korallysis is a transdisciplinary approach with the purpose of creating a collaborative platform for experimentation and application of technologies, seeking to improve reef ecosystems in the Mesoamerican reef and other reef systems around the globe. The basis of Korallysis is developing hybrid organisms between mechanical systems and coral colonies that coexist in a symbiotic relationship. These organisms based on structural geometry are made up of ceramic modules with qualities which allow corals to adhere to the surface, with the ability to adapt to the seabed, serving as a support for the proliferation of corals.

The upper part of these mechanical systems protrudes that moves in time with the sea current, which is connected to a electrical generator, part of the energy accumulated is distributed in the structure through a network of steel and carbon filaments which act as electrodes to generate electrolysis, allowing minerals within the sea water to adhere to the structure, helping to considerably accelerate the corals growth.

Moreover Korallysis involve the community in their work, involving local children, families, fishermen and visitors to collaborate in the assembly of these structures, subsequently sparking conversations and interest about the care and preservation of the ecosystems. 

Kyrollysis aim to showcase their projects through, exhibitions, documentaries and conferences on different platforms like planetariums, immersive VR experiences and digital media as well as seminars, workshops to educate and broaden the discussion on the current state of coral reef ecosystems, encouraging, the entirety of society to act jointly in the protection and preservations of the coral reefs.